Pak vs SA- (Source:@Johns/X.com)
On December 26, South Africa will lock horns against Pakistan in the first of the two-match Test series at the Supersport Park Cricket Stadium from 1:30 pm IST. It is a crucial series for the hosts as they eye WTC final qualification and are just a single win away from doing so.
Meanwhile, this article will shed light on the preview, pitch report, and probable playing XI for the first match.
PAK vs SA 1st Test: Match Details And Live Streaming
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | December 26-30, 1:30 pm IST |
| Venue | Supersport Park Cricket Stadium |
| Broadcast & Live Streaming | Sports 18, Jio Cinema |
PAK vs SA 1st Test: Shaheen-less Pakistan Eyeing To Extend Great Run vs Proteas
Pakistan currently are placed 7th on the WTC table and are out of the race to qualify for the finals. However, the Shan Masood-led side would look to end the year on a positive note and also extend their good run in red-ball cricket as they also handed England a Test series defeat.
Further, Pakistan have won the previous two Test encounters against South Africa. Talking about the upcoming game, the Men in Green are without Shaheen Afridi, who is left out of the squad because of workload management.
Babar Azam has also returned to the Test side for the first time since being dropped from the team and Kumran Ghulam also named in the squad. Also, the PCB went ahead with Noman Ali over Sajid Khan as the sole specialised spinner in the squad.
PAK vs SA 1st Test: South Africa A Win Away From History
Temba Bavuma will lead the side and mostly the Proteas have kept the same squad as the one that faced Bangladesh away from home but Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka have been included in the side.
The Proteas last won against Pakistan in a Test match was in 2018-19. Thus the Temba Bavuma-led side would look to end that streak. It is also worth noting that the Proteas have already announced their playing XI for the first Test.
Maphaka has been left out of the squad, but Corin Bosch will be making his debut.
PAK vs SA 1st Test: How will SuperSport Park Stadium Pitch Behave?
Supersport Stadium pitch is known to assist the seamers. It will be a paradise for the seamers as both teams will field extra pacers to trouble the batters. However, as the game progresses, the pitch will detoriate and it will help the batters. Also, the surface will see uneven bounce in the last few days and it will guarentee an exciting clash.
PAK vs SA 1st Test: Key Players And Stats
Temba Bavuma: 385 runs in 11 innings at Centurion at an average of 55
Aiden Markram: 378 runs in 12 innings at Centurion at an average of 31.50
Shan Masood: 84 runs in 2 innings at Centurion
South Africa Win 3 Matches In 3 Games vs Pakistan At SuperSport Stadium
PAK vs SA 1st Test: Probable XI
South Africa (Announced): Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch.
Pakistan (Probable): Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad
PAK vs SA 1st Test: Winner Prediction
Looking at the stats, South Africa are touted as the favourites to win the first Test. They have a good record at Centurion and are likely to extend it.
 "Abhinav Tyagi")
